US20100072279A1 - Reusable grocery bag for use with optical product identifiers - Google Patents
Reusable grocery bag for use with optical product identifiers Download PDFInfo
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- US20100072279A1 US20100072279A1 US12/562,246 US56224609A US2010072279A1 US 20100072279 A1 US20100072279 A1 US 20100072279A1 US 56224609 A US56224609 A US 56224609A US 2010072279 A1 US2010072279 A1 US 2010072279A1
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- Prior art keywords
- threads
- bag
- product
- optical
- reusable
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D29/00—Sacks or like containers made of fabrics; Flexible containers of open-work, e.g. net-like construction
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
- B65D2203/06—Arrangements on packages concerning bar-codes
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging
Abstract
A reusable bag includes a fabric body having an interior volume and an opening that provides access to the interior volume. The fabric body including a plurality of threads oriented and spaced apart so as to form a net structure for securing at least one grocery product within the interior volume. At least a portion of the net structure is sized and shaped to allow an optical product identifier received in the interior volume and on or associated with the at least one grocery product to be optically identified through the net structure using an optical scanner.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/098,379, filed on Sep. 19, 2008 and entitled REUSABLE PRODUCE BAG, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- The embodiments herein relate in general to environmentally friendly packaging and more particularly to environmentally friendly and reusable grocery bags suitable for use with optical product identifiers.
- Packaging that is environmentally friendly has become a growing concern in light of the limited resources now facing the world economies. As such there is increasing pressure to reuse traditional packaging wherever possible and to develop innovative packing to replace materials that may not be convenient for recycling or easily broken down in landfills.
- In particular, the grocery sector faces unique challenges in light of the amount of packaging found not only with processed food but also with bags for securing produce and other grocery products and bags used for carrying groceries. Packaging for produce creates unique challenges with respect to the weight of the produce, the large variety of different types of produce, and the reusability of typical packaging for produce.
- Various types of bags have been developed to address some of the problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,543 issued on Jul. 16, 1996 to Alexander relates to fruit or vegetables that are still maturing on a parent plant and the ability to protect them from damage due to soft freeze by enclosing the fruits or vegetables within a bag made of flexible, thermally insulating, water and air permeable material and that remains stable in prolonged sunlight. The bag is globular in shape and has a single elasticized opening. Examples of suitable bag materials include wool, acrylic, mod acrylic, polyester, polypropylene, and fiber blends containing these materials.
- Cammack is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,076 that issued on Apr. 21, 1998 and relates to a new produce bag for offering a more efficient and effective packaging method for fruits and vegetables. The device includes a bottom portion and a top portion joined to the bottom portion to form a tubular body defining a pair of superimposed panels in a flattened state, wherein the tubular body has an open top end and a closed bottom end. The bottom portion is made from a net material and the top portion is made from a sheet material, wherein the top portion is adapted for use with a standard automatic bag filling machine as well as a standard automatic bag closure machine.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,645 which issued on Apr. 16, 2002 to Rusert et al. relates to an open mesh bag comprising an open, mesh-like fabric. The bag has a closed end formed by a fold in the fabric, an opposing end and longitudinal, heat-sealed side seams extending from the closed end to the opposing end. The bags are used for packaging articles for which visibility and/or breathability of the bag fabric are useful characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the bags are also suited for manufacture and filling using high speed, automated equipment.
- Bruno is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,643 which issued on Oct. 30, 1973 and relates to a net bag of the type in which produce is packaged, particularly bunches of grapes and the like, characterized by a novel closure at one end, the structure and location of which results in a snag-proof tail that allows the bags to be nested and removed one at a time. Bruno also encompasses the carrier for the nested bags which comprises an elongate bendable strap preferably of one-piece construction and folded over intermediate its ends to define a collar adapted to fit up inside the nest and hold the bags open when slipped down axially over an upright mandrel to produce a dispenser.
- Jorda is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,538 which issued on Jun. 28, 1988 which relates to an extruded plastics material net bag, formed by a tubular body which in the flattened state defines two superimposed sheets, in each of which there are two reinforced longitudinal lateral web portions close to the lateral edges of the bag and a reinforced longitudinal central web portion substantially equidistant between the other two; the bag handles are extensions of the lateral web portions and are provided with a weld line at the end thereof while a weld line defines the bottom of the bag. The bag is closed either by way of a fill-form member capable of throttling the mouth of the bag or by two closing appendices, one on each sheet and which extend beyond the bag mouth, being joined together by knotting, stapling or any other means. The special location of the lateral web portions and the existence of the central web portion provide more strength and a greater dimensional stability to the full bag.
- However, in spite of the known variety of bags, the inventor has identified a need for improved reusable grocery bags.
- In accordance with one aspect there is provided a reusable bag that includes a fabric body that has a net structure configured to allow optical inspection of optical product identifiers on or attached to products within the reusable bag. The fabric body generally provides sufficient strength to carry produce or other grocery products. In some embodiments the fabric body may be washable.
- In some embodiments, the reusable bag may also include a fastener that is secured to the fabric body to allow produce to be secured within the net structure. The fastener may be durable and washable.
- The reusable bag may be made out of a strong, washable fabric that provides visibility into the bag for the viewer. Furthermore the fabric body has at least a portion that allows for barcodes or other optical product identifiers on or attached to the produce to be read or scanned through the net structure. For example, a barcode on a piece of fruit may be scanned through the net structure at a check out while the bag is securely closed by the fastener, thus without removing the piece of fruit from the bag.
- In some embodiments, the washable fabric may have at least a portion made of tulle. Generally, tulle provides sufficient strength, visibility of the barcodes, and can be reused and washed.
- Some advantages of the embodiments described herein may include, but are not limited to, the ability to reuse the produce bag indefinitely or for a large number of uses, the ability to read barcodes or other optical product identifiers on the produce without having to remove the produce at the check out thereby reducing delay at the check out, the use of washable fabric such as tulle so as to allow sanitary transportation of the produce from grocery store to home, the bag having sufficient strength to accommodate a wide variety of produce and other grocery products that may be available, the environmental benefit of not having to throw away plastic bags into land-fills, reduction of costs to grocery stores as they will not have to provide plastic bags for transporting produce, an inexpensive reusable alternative to conventional plastic bags, and a simple fastener or closure that may allow the user to easily open and close the reusable bag during the shopping process.
- According to another aspect, there is provided a reusable grocery bag comprising a fabric body having an interior volume and an opening that provides access to the interior volume. The fabric body includes a plurality of threads oriented and spaced apart so as to form a net structure for securing at least one grocery product within the interior volume. At least a portion of the net structure is sized and shaped to allow an optical product identifier received in the interior volume and on or associated with the at least one grocery product to be optically identified through the net structure using an optical scanner.
- At least a portion of the fabric body may be made from tulle.
- At least a portion of the fabric body may be air permeable.
- The plurality of threads may have a thread size of less than approximately 20 denier. In some embodiments, the plurality of threads may have a thread size of less than approximately 10 denier.
- The plurality of threads may have a diameter of less than approximately 50 micrometers. In some embodiments, the plurality of threads may have a diameter of less than approximately 35 micrometers.
- The plurality of threads may be spaced apart to provide a thread density of less than approximately 40 threads per inch. In some embodiments, the plurality of threads may be spaced apart to provide a thread density of less than approximately 20 threads per inch.
- The fabric body may be made of a washable material.
- According to another aspect, there is provided a system for scanning an optical product identifier on or associated with at least one grocery product. The system comprises an optical scanner, a data processor in communication with the optical scanner, and at least one reusable grocery bag. Each reusable grocery bag comprises a fabric body having an interior volume and an opening that provides access to the interior volume. The fabric body includes a plurality of threads oriented and spaced apart so as to form a net structure for securing the least one grocery product within the interior volume. At least a portion of the net structure is sized and shaped to allow the optical product identifier on or associated with the at least one grocery product to be optically identified through the net structure using the optical scanner.
- The optical scanner may be configured to scan the optical product identifier through the net structure so as to output product data to the data processor, and the data processor may be configured to associate the product data with the product.
- At least one of the optical scanner and the data processor may be configured to account for individual threads that partially cover the optical product identifier.
- The optical scanner may have an error tolerance greater than the size or thickness of the individual threads.
- At least one of the optical scanner and the data processor may be configured to account for individual threads that partially cover the optical product identifier and that have a thread size between approximately 10-20 denier.
- At least one of the optical scanner and the data processor may be configured to account for individual threads that partially cover the optical product identifier and that have a diameter between approximately 35-50 micrometers.
- At least one of the optical scanner and the data processor may be configured to account for individual threads that partially cover the optical product identifier and that have a thread density between approximately 20-40 threads per inch.
- According to another aspect, there is provided a method of scanning an optical product identifier on or associated with at least one grocery product. The method comprises providing at least one reusable grocery bag. Each reusable grocery bag has a fabric body having an interior volume and an opening that provides access to the interior volume. The fabric body includes a plurality of threads oriented and spaced apart so as to form a net structure for securing the at least one grocery product within the interior volume. At least a portion of the net structure is sized and shaped to allow the optical product identifier on or associated with the at least one grocery product to be optically identified through the net structure using an optical scanner.
- The method further comprises placing the product within the interior volume of the reusable bag, and scanning the optical product identifier through the net structure.
- The method may further comprise scanning a product image, and accounting for individual threads that partially cover the optical product identifier.
- Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reusable grocery bag according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reusable bag ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the reusable bag ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the reusable bag ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a profile view of the reusable bag ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the reusable bag ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a profile view of the reusable bag ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the reusable bag ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a profile view of the net structure of the reusable bag ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a reusable bag according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a system for scanning an optical product identifier on a grocery product according to another embodiment; and -
FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of scanning an optical product identifier on a grocery product according to yet another embodiment. - In the drawings, the various embodiments are illustrated by way of example only. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 to 4 , illustrated therein are several perspective views of areusable grocery bag 10 made in accordance with one embodiment. Thereusable bag 10 generally includes afabric body 12 having an interior volume and an opening that provides access to the interior volume. For example, a piece ofproduce 18 or other grocery product may be placed into the interior volume through the opening. Referring toFIGS. 1-4 , examples ofproduce 18 may include cherries (shown inFIG. 1 ), cauliflower (shown inFIG. 2 ), apples (shown inFIG. 3 ) and carrots (shown inFIG. 4 ), respectively. - The
fabric body 12 includes at least a portion having a plurality of threads oriented and spaced apart so as to form anet structure 14 for securing theproduce 18. The threads of thenet structure 14 are generally configured to allow theproduce 18 within thereusable bag 10 to be visible through the panels of thebag 10. For example, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , the threads may be configured to allow for optical identification (e.g. scanning using an electronic scanner) of an optical product identifier through thenet structure 14, as will be described in more detail below. - The optical product identifier may be an image, such as a
barcode 19 located on theproduce 18. In some cases, thebarcode 19 may be a one-dimensional barcode on a tag (as shown inFIG. 3 ) or a two-dimensional barcode (not shown). Alternatively, the optical product identifier may be an alphanumeric label (e.g. “4044”) attached to theproduce 18, as shown inFIG. 8 , and which may be optically identified (e.g. using character recognition). - In other embodiments, the optical product identifier may be the product itself. In such embodiments, a scanner may capture an image of the product through the net structure 14 (e.g. an image of the cherries shown in
FIG. 1 ), and a computer processor may use image recognition to identify the product in thebag 10. - The
fabric body 12 generally provides sufficient strength to carry products, such asproduce 18 or other grocery products, within thereusable bag 10. Thenet structure 14 is also air permeable, and provides breathability through thefabric body 12, which may help keep produce, or other food products, fresh. Thefabric body 12 may also be made of a material that is washable so that thebag 10 may be washed for reuse. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thereusable bag 10 may include afastener 16 that is secured to thefabric body 12. Generally, thefastener 16 may be located at or near the opening in thefabric body 12 so that thereusable bag 10 may be selectively opened and closed. Generally, thefastener 16 can be opened and closed so as to secure theproduce 18 within thereusable bag 10. In some embodiments, thefastener 16 may be washable and reusable. - The
fastener 16 may be a variety of different mechanisms. For example, thefastener 16 may be azipper 20 that can be engaged to secure theproduce 18 inside thereusable bag 10. In other embodiments, thefastener 16 may include a hook and loop arrangement (e.g. Velcro™), a drawstring arrangement, a snap closure system, a Ziploc™-style fastener, or another suitable fastener. - The
fastener 16 may be durable. For example, thefastener 16 may be configured to match the durability of thefabric body 12. Moreover thefastener 16 generally provides sufficient strength so as to securely hold theproduce 18 or other grocery products within thereusable bag 10 such that theproduce 18 does not fall out during use. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , thereusable bag 10 as shown may be generally rectangular in shape and may have a width A and a length B. Generally, the width A and length B may be selected so that a desired size and number of grocery products may be received within thebag 10. In other embodiments, thereusable bag 10 may have other shapes (e.g. spherical, elliptical, cylindrical, etc.). - Referring now to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , thefabric body 12 will be described in further detail. As mentioned, thefabric body 12 generally includes at least a portion having threads that form anet structure 14 with a weave suitable for viewing theproduce 18 within thereusable bag 10 so that an optical product identifier (such as a barcode 19), which may be secured to the produce 18 (e.g. via a sticker), can be optically identified (e.g. scanned) through thefabric body 12. For example, thebarcode 19 may be scanned through thenet structure 14 by a barcode scanner at a check out within a grocery store. - The visibility through the
fabric body 12 of thereusable bag 10 allows for theproduce 18 to be scanned and checked out generally without removing theproduce 18 from thereusable bag 10 to scan or view thebarcode 19 or other optical product identifier. This tends to save time at the check out line and may allow for smoother transactions. - In some embodiments, at least a portion of the
fabric body 12 may be made from tulle fabric, which tends to provide the desired level of visibility for viewing and scanning due to its wide weave and small thread size. Moreover tulle fabric also tends to provide sufficient strength to hold many types ofproduce 18 securely without thenet structure 14 breaking. Tulle fabric also tends to be very durable and can withstand repeated washings while maintaining its structure and strength. -
FIG. 9 shows an exemplary weave for thenet structure 14 of one type of tulle fabric. Thenet structure 14 generally includes a plurality ofthreads 30 woven together. For example, thethreads 30 may include a first set ofthreads first direction 32 generally parallel to each other, a second set ofthreads second direction 34 generally parallel to each other, and a third set of threads, 36 a, 36 b, 36 c extending along athird direction 36 generally parallel to each other. Thefirst direction 32,second direction 34 andthird direction 36 may be generally planar and non-parallel. For example, as illustrated, the first set ofthreads threads threads threads - The first set of
threads threads threads threads threads thread 36 a extends along thethird direction 36 and wraps aroundthread 32 a one time and then continues to extend along thethird direction 36. Thethread 36 a then wraps aroundthread 34 b one time and continues along thethird direction 36. Thethread 36 a continues to wrap around each subsequent thread that it crosses along the third direction 35 (i.e.thread 32 b and thenthread 34 c). Interweaving thethreads 30 in this fashion tends to provide sufficient strength for thereusable bag 10 while maintaining sufficient visibility into the interior volume of thereusable bag 10 so that an optical product identifier can be optically identified. - Generally, tulle fabric tends to be made from threads that are relatively thin compared to the spacing between adjacent threads. For example, threads in a tulle fabric may have a thread size of less than 20 denier (in some cases approximately 10-20 denier), which generally allows an optical product identifier to be scanned through the
net structure 14. For example, a barcode scanner may be able to scan abarcode 19 even if thebarcode 19 is partially blocked by threads having a size of less than approximately 20 denier. - Furthermore, there tends to be a higher probability of accurately scanning the barcode if the threads have a size of less than approximately 10 denier.
- By contrast, the inventor has discovered that prior art reusable grocery bags tended to have very thick fibers that were often closely spaced together. These thick fibers tend to interfere with the optical characteristics of an optical product identifier (e.g. a barcode 19) and as a result known prior art grocery bags are generally not capable or suitable for use with optical scanners.
- In some embodiments, the tulle fabric may be nylon. In such embodiments, the threads may have a diameter of approximately 35-50 micrometers. Generally, a barcode scanner can scan a barcode even if the barcode is partially blocked by threads where each thread has a diameter of less than approximately 50 micrometers.
- Furthermore, there tends to be a higher probability of accurately scanning the barcode if the threads have a diameter of less than approximately 35 micrometers.
- Furthermore, in some embodiments the threads in the tulle fabric may have a thread density of approximately 20-40 threads per inch. Generally, a barcode scanner can scan a barcode even if the barcode is partially blocked by threads having a thread density of less than approximately 40 threads per inch.
- Furthermore, there tends to be a higher probability of scanning the barcode if the threads have a thread density of less than approximately 20 threads per inch.
- The size of the
reusable bag 10 may vary depending on the requirements of theproduce 18 or other grocery product that are to be placed within thereusable bag 10. In some embodiments, there may be more than one size available for thereusable bag 10. The different sizes of thereusable bags 10 may be utilized according to the different types ofproduce 18 being packed. - In some embodiments, the
fabric body 12 may be washable. Making thereusable bag 10 from awashable fabric body 12 tends to allow for more sanitary transportation of theproduce 18. For example, a spill or mess either within or on the outside of thereusable bag 10 may be removed by simply washing thereusable bag 10 in a washing machine, hand washing, or using another washing technique, and then drying the reusable bag 10 (since thebags 10 are air permeable). - The
washable fabric body 12 can therefore be reused many times, and possibly indefinitely. In contrast, when using traditional plastic bags to transportproduce 18, if there is a spill or mess within the plastic bag or on the outside the plastic bag, the plastic bag is typically thrown out as it may be difficult to clean and then dry the bag (e.g. since the plastic bags are not normally air permeable, they are difficult to dry). Even without a spill or mess, these plastic bags are rarely reused by consumers and are typically thrown out when theproduce 18 is removed therefrom. - The costs of manufacturing the
reusable bag 10 are generally minimal because production tends to be relatively simple, while the benefits of having the long-term use of thereusable bag 10 tend to be more significant than the manufacturing costs. This comparison between production costs and long-term use may be particularly relevant to grocery stores because they typically provide plastic bags to consumers for transporting theirproduce 18. As mentioned, these plastic bags are typically thrown out by consumers and tend to be a significant expense for grocery stores. Accordingly, providing plastic bag may represent a higher overall cost to the grocery store in comparison to using thereusable bags 10 described herein. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , illustrated therein is areusable bag 110 made in accordance with another embodiment. Thereusable bag 110 is generally similar to thereusable bag 10 except that thefastener 16 includes adrawstring 120. Thedrawstring 120 tends to be cheaper than the zipper and may provide easier or quicker opening and closing of thereusable bag 110. - Referring to
FIG. 11 , illustrated therein is asystem 200 for scanning a barcode or other optical product identifier on a grocery product according to another embodiment. Thesystem 200 generally includes an optical scanner 202 (e.g. a barcode scanner) and adata processor 204 in communication with theoptical scanner 202. For example, theoptical scanner 202 may be in wireless or wired communication with thedata processor 204. - The
system 200 is generally used to optically scan an optical product identifier 205 (e.g. a barcode) located on or associated with aproduct 206 located within a reusable bag 210 (which may be thereusable bags reusable bag 210 generally includes afabric body 212 that includes a plurality of threads so as to form anet structure 214. At least a portion of the threads are configured to allow scanning of theproduct identifier 205 through thenet structure 214 using theoptical scanner 202. For example, the threads may be sized and spaced as described above where thebag 210 has at least a portion made of tulle. - The
optical scanner 202 is generally configured to scan theoptical product identifier 205 through thenet structure 214 so as to output product data (e.g. barcode data) to thedata processor 204. For example, the product data may include a barcode image, or a barcode number. - In some embodiments, the
optical scanner 202 may be configured to account for individual threads that at least partially cover theoptical product identifier 205, such as individual threads having a particular size and spacing. For example, theoptical scanner 202 may have a resolution sufficient to account for threads that at least partially cover theoptical product identifier 205, where the thread size is between approximately 10-20 denier, that have a diameter between approximately 35-50 micrometers, and/or have a thread density between approximately 20-40 threads per inch. - The
optical scanner 202 may be configured to account for individual threads in different ways. For example, theoptical scanner 202 may have an error tolerance for scanning barcodes or other optical product identifiers that is greater than the size of the threads in thenet structure 214. In such embodiments, when theoptical scanner 202 scans anoptical product identifier 205, theoptical scanner 202 may generate an optical image that does not include the individual threads. - In other words, the
optical scanner 202 may not “see” individual threads that have a thread size or diameter within the error tolerance of theoptical scanner 202. Accordingly, thesystem 200 may be able to scan theoptical product identifier 205 despite the presence of individual threads that partially cover theoptical product identifier 205, provided the individual threads are spaced sufficiently far apart so that theoptical product identifier 205 may be read by theoptical scanner 202. - In other embodiments, the
optical scanner 202 may be configured to account for threads having a particular size and spacing. For example, theoptical scanner 202 may scan a product image that includes the individual threads and then remove the individual threads from the image (e.g. using image processing techniques). After removing the individual threads, theoptical scanner 202 may generate and output the product data to thedata processor 204. - In some embodiments, the
optical scanner 202 may output the image with the individual threads as the product data such that thedata processor 204 accounts for threads having a particular size. For example, thedata processor 204 may perform image processing to remove the individual threads from the image to identify the product in thebag 210. - The
data processor 204 receives the product data and is generally configured to associate the product data with theparticular product 206 to identify theparticular product 206 and/or determine particular data for thatproduct 206. For example, theprocessor 204 may determine the price of theparticular product 206 in thebag 210, such as a price per unit or a price per unit of weight for the product. - In some embodiments, the association between the product data and the
product 206 may be stored in a memory within thedata processor 204 or in a separate database or otherdata storage device 220 that is in communication with thedata processor 204. - Referring to
FIG. 12 , illustrated therein is amethod 300 of scanning an optical product identifier (e.g. a barcode) on a product according to another embodiment. - Step 310 includes providing a reusable bag comprising a fabric body having an interior volume, and an opening that provides access to the interior volume. The fabric body includes a plurality of threads oriented and spaced apart so as to form a net structure, with at least a portion of the net structure configured so that an optical product identifier (e.g. barcode) on or associated with a product in the bag can be scanned through the net structure by an optical scanner (e.g. a barcode reader). For example, the reusable bag may be any one of the
reusable bags - Step 312 includes placing the product within the interior volume of the reusable bag. For example, a piece of produce may be placed within the interior volume.
- Step 314 includes scanning the optical product identifier (e.g. barcode) on the product through the net structure of the reusable bag. For example, a barcode may be scanned using a barcode scanning system, such as the
system 200 described above. - In some embodiments,
step 314 may include sub-steps 316 and 318. Step 316 includes scanning a barcode image, for example, using a barcode scanner. Step 318 includes accounting for individual threads that partially cover that barcode. For example, a barcode scanner or a data processor may account for the individual threads as described above. In some embodiments step 318 may include accounting for individual threads that have a thread size between approximately 10-20 denier. In some embodiments step 318 may include accounting for individual threads that have a diameter between approximately 35-50 micrometers. In some embodiments step 318 may include accounting for individual threads that have a thread density between approximately 20-40 threads per inch. - While the above description includes a number of exemplary embodiments, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents can be implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.
Claims (19)
1. A reusable grocery bag, comprising:
a) a fabric body having an interior volume and an opening that provides access to the interior volume;
b) the fabric body including a plurality of threads oriented and spaced apart so as to form a net structure for securing at least one grocery product within the interior volume;
c) wherein at least a portion of the net structure is sized and shaped to allow an optical product identifier received in the interior volume and on or associated with the at least one grocery product to be optically identified through the net structure using an optical scanner.
2. The reusable bag of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the fabric body is made from tulle.
3. The reusable bag of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the fabric body is air permeable.
4. The reusable bag of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of threads have a thread size of less than approximately 20 denier.
5. The reusable bag of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of threads have a thread size of less than approximately 10 denier.
6. The reusable bag of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of threads have a diameter of less than approximately 50 micrometers.
7. The reusable bag of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of threads have a diameter of less than approximately 35 micrometers.
8. The reusable bag of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of threads are spaced apart to provide a thread density of less than approximately 40 threads per inch.
9. The reusable bag of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of threads are spaced apart to provide a thread density of less than approximately 20 threads per inch.
10. The reusable bag of claim 1 , wherein the fabric body is made of a washable material.
11. A system for scanning an optical product identifier on or associated with at least one grocery product, the system comprising:
a) an optical scanner;
b) a data processor in communication with the optical scanner; and
c) at least one reusable grocery bag, each reusable grocery bag comprising:
i) a fabric body having an interior volume and an opening that provides access to the interior volume, the fabric body including a plurality of threads oriented and spaced apart so as to form a net structure for securing the least one grocery product within the interior volume;
ii) wherein at least a portion of the net structure is sized and shaped to allow the optical product identifier on or associated with the at least one grocery product to be optically identified through the net structure using the optical scanner.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the optical scanner is configured to scan the optical product identifier through the net structure so as to output product data to the data processor, and the data processor is configured to associate the product data with the product.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the optical scanner and the data processor are configured to account for individual threads that partially cover the optical product identifier.
14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the optical scanner has an error tolerance greater than the size or thickness of the individual threads.
15. The system of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the optical scanner and the data processor are configured to account for individual threads that partially cover the optical product identifier and that have a thread size between approximately 10-20 denier.
16. The system of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the optical scanner and the data processor are configured to account for individual threads that partially cover the optical product identifier and that have a diameter between approximately 35-50 micrometers.
17. The system of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the optical scanner and the data processor are configured to account for individual threads that partially cover the optical product identifier and that have a thread density between approximately 20-40 threads per inch.
18. A method of scanning an optical product identifier on or associated with at least one grocery product, the method comprising:
a) providing at least one reusable grocery bag, each reusable grocery bag having:
i) a fabric body having an interior volume and an opening that provides access to the interior volume, the fabric body including a plurality of threads oriented and spaced apart so as to form a net structure for securing the at least one grocery product within the interior volume;
ii) wherein at least a portion of the net structure is sized and shaped to allow the optical product identifier on or associated with the at least one grocery product to be optically identified through the net structure using an optical scanner;
b) placing the product within the interior volume of the reusable bag; and
c) scanning the optical product identifier through the net structure.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
a) scanning a product image; and
b) accounting for individual threads that partially cover the optical product identifier.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/562,246 US20100072279A1 (en) | 2008-09-19 | 2009-09-18 | Reusable grocery bag for use with optical product identifiers |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US9837908P | 2008-09-19 | 2008-09-19 | |
US12/562,246 US20100072279A1 (en) | 2008-09-19 | 2009-09-18 | Reusable grocery bag for use with optical product identifiers |
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Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20100072279A1 true US20100072279A1 (en) | 2010-03-25 |
Family
ID=42036622
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/562,246 Abandoned US20100072279A1 (en) | 2008-09-19 | 2009-09-18 | Reusable grocery bag for use with optical product identifiers |
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Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20100072279A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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US20100301110A1 (en) * | 2007-02-01 | 2010-12-02 | Vittoria Carnevale | Bar code bag |
US20120006599A1 (en) * | 2007-06-01 | 2012-01-12 | Mettler-Toledo (Albstadt) Gmbh | Method for weighing of weighable goods and scales for performing the method |
US20170091703A1 (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-30 | Datalogic ADC, Inc. | Tracking merchandise using watermarked bags |
CN108473228A (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2018-08-31 | 埃里希乌奇股份公司 | The packing container of license plate;The method and marking press of marking press are run using packing container |
WO2018219329A1 (en) * | 2017-06-01 | 2018-12-06 | 上海鸿研物流技术有限公司 | Packaging bag authentication method and packaging bag pushing and shoving device |
RU192961U1 (en) * | 2019-07-24 | 2019-10-08 | Сергей Харкиевич Куанажбаев | Personal Protective Transport Bag |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20100301110A1 (en) * | 2007-02-01 | 2010-12-02 | Vittoria Carnevale | Bar code bag |
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